Wee Willie Smith facts for kids
| Center | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 22, 1911 Montgomery, Alabama |
| Nationality | American |
| Died | March 15, 1992 (aged 80) Cleveland, Ohio |
| High school | East Tech (Cleveland, Ohio) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Listed weight | 230 lb (104 kg) |
| Career information | |
| Pro career | 1931–1949 |
| Career history | |
| 1931–1942 | New York Renaissance |
| 1943–1944 | Cleveland Chase Brassmen |
| 1948–1949 | Dayton Rens |
William T. "Wee Willie" Smith (April 22, 1911 – March 14, 1992) was a talented American professional basketball player. He was known for his skills as a center, a player who usually plays close to the basket.
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Willie Smith: A Basketball Star
Willie Smith was a key player in early professional basketball. He helped his teams achieve amazing wins. His career showed how skilled and important he was to the sport.
Starting His Basketball Journey
Before joining famous teams, Willie Smith played for several semi-professional teams. These were teams where players earned some money, but it wasn't always their full-time job. He played in the Cleveland, Ohio area.
In 1932, Smith joined the New York Renaissance. This was a very special team because it was an all-black professional basketball team. At that time, many sports leagues had rules that kept black and white players separate. The Rens, as they were called, were pioneers in basketball.
The Amazing New York Rens Team
From 1932 to 1936, Willie Smith and his six teammates on the New York Renaissance achieved incredible success. They won more than 400 games! This included an amazing 88-game winning streak. This streak lasted from January 1, 1933, to March 27, 1933. It was one of the longest winning streaks in basketball history.
Because of their incredible achievements, the entire 1932–33 Renaissance team was honored. They were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1963. The Hall of Fame is a special place that celebrates the greatest players and teams in basketball history.
Playing in Other Leagues
After his time with the New York Renaissance, Smith continued to play professional basketball. He played for other teams, including the Cleveland Chase Brassmen. This team was part of the National Basketball League (NBL).
Willie Smith was one of the very few black players in the NBL's history. This made his presence in the league even more important. It showed his talent and helped pave the way for future black athletes in professional sports.
Life After Basketball
After he stopped playing professional basketball, Willie Smith worked in the Cleveland Public Schools. He was a custodian, helping to keep schools clean and safe. He also owned and ran a beverage shop.
His contributions to basketball were remembered and honored. In 1977, he was inducted into two special halls of fame: the Harlem Hall of Fame and the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame. These honors recognized his lasting impact on the sport and his community.
